Tom Clarke remembers the solidarity of the men and women of Timex (Image: Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser)

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A POLITICIAN who helped lead the fight to stop the Timex closure 20 years ago says the spirit of the workers lives on today.

The watch factory in Dundee shut its doors in 1993 despite a massive battle against axing the plant.

Hundreds lost their jobs when the American-based company pulled out of the city after 47 years.

But veteran Labour politician Tom Clarke believes the solidarity shown by the staff can be an inspiration to today’s workers and unions as they endure the ConDem cuts.

The Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill MP was shadow Scottish Secretary at the time of the dispute and, along with fellow politicians such as Ernie Ross and George Galloway, marched side by side with the staff.

He said: “I have no doubt that the steadfast defence of their jobs by the Timex workers remains an inspiration to people today.

“Timex were known all over the world for the quality of their production and had a first-class workforce. To dispense with that as if it didn’t matter was not something we were prepared to accept.

“It showed that an assertion of people’s rights can make its mark.

“I sincerely believe, as they used to sing at Timex, we shall overcome.”

The factory made watches when it opened in 1946 but, by the time of its closure, it was making computer circuit boards. It employed 5000 in the 70s but, by 1992, just 450 people worked there.

The firm sacked the workforce when they went on strike over pay and benefits, prompting one of the most bitter disputes in British industrial history.

Marches protest against Timex cuts in 1993

Timex brought in temporary workers while demonstrators from all over Britain picketed the factory in support of the dismissed staff. The plant finally closed in August 1993.

Clarke said: “What I remember most is the absolute solidarity of the men and women of Timex.

“They had a strong case. Production was good and the markets were there.

“Public opinion was also on their side, though in the end the employers did what they wanted to, which was make all those workers redundant.

“What the workers did was say to other employers, ‘Don’t take your Scottish workforce for granted, we’re good at our jobs and we’re certainly not prepared to give up without a fight. We’re not going to make life easy for those who seem determined to crush our manufacturing industry.’

“They left with their heads held high. My recollection is that it was a glorious fight by the Timex workers.”

Clarke said David Cameron’s coalition was as damaging as Margaret Thatcher’s government.

He added: “I don’t see any change in today’s Tories. They have the same attitude as the ones who were in government at that time.

“The unfortunate thing about it is that the Liberal Democrats are going along with them.”